Donald Baker (incumbent) vs. Brooks Rorapaugh

Voters living in Granger will vote for one candidate for fiscal officer in the Nov. 5 General Election. The race is nonpartisan. The information provided below was submitted by the candidates, with their responses to our questions printed as submitted.

Donald Baker (incumbent)

Why are you running for fiscal officer?

“I am running to retain the Office of Grange Township Fiscal Officer because of my experience, qualifications, and dedication to the community. What better experience is there than serving as the Fiscal Officer now! I have also had the opportunity to serve as the Medina County Board of Elections Chair and as a Wadsworth City Councilman in the past. Qualifications including a 23 year banking and financial career, advanced banking studies and an accounting degree have helped prepare me to be the Fiscal Officer. After an extensive interview process conducted by the Township Trustees and former Fiscal Officer, I was unanimously appointed your Granger Township Fiscal Officer. The Granger Township Trustees and former Fiscal Officer Barbara Beach have all endorsed me because they believe I am the best candidate for the job.

“I have worked hard to continue the high level of service Granger Residents have come to expect from their Fiscal Officer. This is my only job and I am dedicated to fulfilling my duties regardless of what it takes. I believe when you take on a job you should be committed to it — and I am! This shows my dedication to my community.”

Describe the duties and responsibilities of the fiscal officer and why you are the most viable candidate for the position.

“Township Fiscal Officers are basically a township’s chief financial officer. They are elected to oversee the township’s funds and work with the Trustees to see tax dollars are wisely spent and in the best interest of the residents. As a fiscal conservative with a strong financial background, I am working hard with the trustees to see that we get get the most we can out of our tax dollars. Experience with budgeting will be crucial as we plan for 2014 and beyond.

“Additionally, as part of this financial responsibility, I am processing all financial and payroll transactions for Granger Township. I am grateful for the extensive training Former Fiscal Officer Barbara Beach provided me even before I took office. Since taking office, I have worked hard to continue the high level of service Granger Residents have come to expect from their Fiscal Officer.

“Township Fiscal Officers are also the keepers of all township records and are responsible for them. This includes taking the minutes of all meetings. Since taking office , I have taken the minutes at every meeting including one where the total minutes amounted to 22 typed legal pages.

Perhaps the single most important reason I am the most viable candidate on the ballot is that ‘I’m doing the job now!’. No other candidate can make this statement. That is why the Granger Township Trustees and former Fiscal Officer Barbara Beach have all endorsed me — they believe I am the best candidate for the job.”

Brooks Rorapaugh

Why are you running for fiscal officer?

“Because of my deep and longstanding commitment to public service and because my background, education and experiences align perfectly with the duties and responsibilities of Township Fiscal Officer.”

Describe the duties and responsibilities of the fiscal officer and why you are the most viable candidate for the position.

“The position of Township Fiscal Officer encompasses a wide range of duties and responsibilities from keeping minutes of Trustee meetings, interaction with the County Prosecutors Office, Human Resources administration; legal, financial and regulatory compliance, budgeting, payroll, financial recordkeeping and the general care and maintenance of the records of the township. I bring 30 years of corporate generalist experience in exactly these fields, including prior service and experience as an Assistant County Prosecutor, Investment Counselor; Corporate insurance operations, claims, investment, litigation, corporate recordkeeping, compliance and government relations functions. All my prior experiences align perfectly with duties of the position. As a steward of the township, my commitment is to servant leadership, fiscal conservatism, integrity and legal, financial and regulatory compliance. I would also seek to improve efficiencies in the operational aspects of the office and to deploy updated technology that will better serve the public.”